United States: Women Press Freedom Condemns Organized TikTok Campaign Targeting Elyse Myers and Others
Comment section of the podcaster's video about her infant son’s open heart surgery flooded with demands she speak out about the Israel-Hamas war.
Location: United States
Date: February 14, 2024
Women Press Freedom has observed with growing concern the recent digital activism campaign known as Operation Watermelon. This campaign, rooted in the intention to amplify the Palestinian cause, has intentionally or unintentionally employed tactics that raise significant ethical questions and have resulted in the targeted harassment of individuals, including Elyse Myers, a content creator who shared her infant son's health crisis. The nature of the tactics used by Operation Watermelon, specifically targeting people who have not publicly commented on the conflict, to "flip" their comment sections, is concerning. The immediate blocking and silencing of those who offer mild criticism or express concern about the tactics of Operation Watermelon further highlight a troubling disregard for open dialogue and accountability. These actions are antithetical to the principles of freedom of expression and press freedom that are foundational to democratic societies. In light of the complex issues surrounding social media's role in the Israeli-Hamas War (where innocent Gazan civilians are victims), including accusations of bias and censorship, it is more important than ever to advocate for transparency, fairness, and the protection of human rights for all, online. We encourage all parties engaged in digital activism to consider the broader implications of their actions and to work towards approaches that honor the dignity and rights of people, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.
In a recent unfolding of digital activism turned harassment, "Operation Watermelon" has emerged as a controversial campaign on social media platforms like TikTok, where pro-Palestinian supporters aim to hijack comment sections of popular influencers to amplify the Palestinian cause. However, the campaign's latest target, Elyse Myers — an American podcast host, content creator, and comedian — has spotlighted the ethical boundaries of such digital movements.
Elyse Myers, known for her engaging content and significant following across various platforms, including over 3.7 million followers on Instagram and 7.1 million on TikTok, recently shared a personal and vulnerable moment with her audience. In a heartfelt video, Myers disclosed that her infant son, Oliver, requires open heart surgery due to a ventricular septal defect — a moment meant to garner support and empathy from her community. Instead, the comment section was inundated with demands that Myers address the Israel-Hamas war.
Comments also appeared under her other videos, and stitches were made, in which Myers, who has battled depression for years, is being harassed for sharing she is happy for the very first time in a long time.
The targeted campaign comes against the backdrop of broader debates about the role of social media in shaping public discourse on geopolitical issues. Accusations of bias have been levied against platforms like TikTok and Meta, with claims of suppressing pro-Palestine voices or, conversely, accusations of promoting pro-Palestine narratives to American youth. Despite allegations of censorship, TikTok's data suggests a nuanced reality, with hashtags related to Israel and Palestine receiving significant engagement. Independent investigations, such as those conducted by Human Rights Watch, have, however, documented systemic censorship and suppression of content supporting Palestine on Instagram and Facebook
The orchestrators of Operation Watermelon call on their followers to "flip" comment sections of influencers who have not publicly spoken on the issue, aiming to make Palestine trend by association. They argue that this method of digital activism serves to break through the noise and bring attention to the plight of Palestinians.
Other influencers have been targeted too by the campaign, including Hank Green, an American YouTuber and science communicator; Jen Hamilton, a nurse and TikTok influencer; and Taylor Swift. Hamilton, who decided to make a response video to acknowledge her silence, was met with a negative response, with the campaigners claiming her video lacked sincerity.
A video posted by the campaign organizer on TikTok outlines the intention behind targeting Myers, suggesting that her platform's focus on inclusivity and empathy should extend to global social justice issues. Organizers quickly changed tone when she didn’t respond.
“The week that we commented on her post, she came back after two days of us commenting, posting a video about plucking chin hairs,” Operation Watermelon organizer Angie says. “She posted a comedic video after two days of comments, and that is when it became about her. Because it showed her true character and her true colors. It was so tone-deaf.”
They deny having specifically targeted the video in which she announced the heart surgery her infant son is scheduled for.
Critics, including Dr. Sehabi, a cardiologist who expressed support for Myers' situation, and various TikTok users, have denounced the operation for its insensitivity and potential harm. The criticism focuses on the disruptive and distressing impact on people dealing with personal crises, such as Myers, whose primary concern is her son's health.
“All of her mental energy and attention and effort is focused on her son at this moment, as it rightfully should,” Dr. Segabi says. “You are upset that she's not making pro-Palestine content or advocating for the cause, and you start spamming her comment section: ‘Oh, influencers should show humanity.’ But where is your humanity for her?”
The campaign has also sparked a dialogue about the importance of consent and respectful discourse in activism, including the immediate blocking of people who voice mild criticism or concerns about the operation's tactics, as reported by someone previously a staunch supporter of the campaign’s tactics.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the targeted harassment campaign on TikTok known as Operation Watermelon, affecting podcaster Elyse Myers and other content creators. Myers recently shared a deeply personal narrative about her infant son’s medical condition, seeking support and understanding from her community. Instead, her vulnerability was exploited, her comment sections hijacked by demands to address geopolitical issues far removed from the context of her post. This intrusion not only diverted attention from her personal ordeal but also exemplified a disturbing trend where digital activism crosses into digital harassment. Activism should empower voices, not silence or manipulate them for unrelated political agendas. The campaign’s tactics reflect a disregard for the person's rights and well-being of those it targets.
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